Commissioners table Batavia annexation of 29.884 acres after airport safety concerns

The Clermont County Board of Commissioners voted on Dec. 1, 2025 to table a resolution that would grant a petition to annex 29.884 acres from Batavia Township to the Village of Batavia. The board moved to delay final action until the next Regular Session on Dec. 10, 2025, with a roll-call vote of Commissioner Painter, Yes; Commissioner Corcoran, Yes; Commissioner Batchler, Absent.

County Deputy Surveyor Craig Risner presented the revised plat and legal description for two parcels identified as tax map parcel nos. 01-20-08E-026 and 01-20-08E-031, and noted the annexed territory would add to the Village’s roughly 2,219 acres and shares 485.98 feet (6.9% of the perimeter) contiguous with the municipality. Outside counsel Ryan Spitzer advised the board that the seven statutory conditions under Ohio Revised Code §709.023 were met and that the Village has agreed to assume maintenance of any street segmented by the new boundary.

Public commenters raised safety concerns about the airport. Chuck Gallagher, representing Clermont County Airport, told the board the airport opposes the annexation and provided paperwork concerning the runway protection zone; other Batavia Township residents and an Aircraft Pilots Association representative said the annexation could create risks for airport operations. County planner Drew DeMarsh reminded the board that any owner construction affecting airspace would require Federal Aviation Administration approval.

Because a board member was absent, Commissioner Corcoran requested tabling the item for full consideration. Commissioner Painter moved to table Resolution 183-25 to Dec. 10, 2025. No final grant or denial was recorded at this session.